In Focus: Centurion Bale’s top five Wales moments

Gareth Bale has had some outstanding individual moments in his decorated career.

The Welsh superstar is set to make his 100th appearance for his country on Saturday — an achievement only bettered by Chris Gunter, who currently sits on 106 caps.

Since joining Real Madrid for a world-record £85million fee in 2013, Bale has acquired four Champions League titles, two LaLiga crowns and a Copa del Rey medal.

And the Dragons skipper has also been on fire at international level — leading Wales’ all-time scoring charts with 36 goals while also providing 20 assists.

But what are Bale’s greatest individual moments in his country’s famous red shirt?

Wales 2-1 Slovakia (2016)

Wales flourished in 2016, reaching the semi-final of the European Championship for the first time in their history.

The Dragons were drawn into a group with England, Slovakia and Russia and progressed as winners, with their only dropped points coming against their noisy English neighbours.

Bale was instrumental in Wales’ success, scoring three times.

His first goal of the tournament helped Wales get off to a winning start as they defeated Slovakia 2-1.

The 32-year-old struck a sweet free-kick to give his side the lead in the Dragons’ first appearance at a major tournament since 1958 and made an entire nation believe.

Wales 2-1 Scotland (2012)

Wales came into this World Cup qualifier off the back of two defeats in their first two games.

The situation was looking dire but the Cardiff-born magician chose this match to really announce himself on the international stage.

Bale scored a brace as Wales came back from 1-0 down to secure a vital victory in his hometown.

His first goal came from the penalty spot as he kept his cool after being brought down in the box.

But it was the second goal that captured the headlines as the No11 dropped his shoulder on the edge of the box before thundering a strike into the top corner of the Scotland goal.

Wales 1-0 Belgium (2015)

Bale’s goal against Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier is perhaps his most important for Wales.

On the night of his 50th cap, Bale once again came up with the goods as Wales dispatched their star-studded rivals to go to the top of their group.

The Southampton youth product expertly controlled Radja Nainggolan’s wayward header in the box before slotting home through the legs of Thibaut Courtois.

The victory gave Wales a three-point advantage over their opponents.

Bale’s finish sent the Cardiff crowd into a frenzy and to this day is still remembered as one of the most important goals in Welsh history en route to their historic Euros run.

Turkey 0-2 Wales (2021)

In the midst of the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, Bale once again took centre stage, in a group match against Turkey.

The veteran forward dominated play for Wales, providing both assists in an open game in which he also missed a penalty.

The Wales legend delivered a delightful ball onto the chest of Aaron Ramsey for the first goal, before driving into the box from the corner flag and teeing up Connor Roberts to secure the victory in injury time.

The win helped Wales advance to the knockout stages of the tournament for a second time in a row, qualifying second to eventual winners Italy.

The Welsh would be eliminated by Denmark in the last 16 but Bale’s performances demonstrated that he can still play a key role on the biggest stage.

Wales 2-0 Hungary (2019)

Wales qualified for Euro 2020 with a win against Hungary in Cardiff on the final matchday in 2019.

Bale put in another top-class performance, registering an assist and once again dominating the game.

But it was the celebrations after the final whistle that caught most people’s attention as the former Tottenham man brandished a flag reading ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.’

Inspired by criticism Bale had received from former star Predrag Mijatovic — who had questioned whether playing for Real Madrid was a priority for the Welshman — the banner caused a stir on social media and in the Spanish capital.